Suspect in $12,000 bike theft arrested

Fire alarm interrupts attempted break-in to AMB

A Chilliwack resident who fraudulently rented two downhill bikes in Whistler worth $12,000 was arrested

on Aug. 2, after he tried to sell one of the bikes online.

The incident occurred on July 11, likely using a fraudulent credit card, and there were two individuals involved. According to Sergeant Rob Knapton of the Whistler RCMP, they were able to determine the location of one of the suspects through the website.

"While investigating this theft it came to our attention that one of the bikes was listed for sale online," Knapton confirmed.

The Upper Fraser Valley Regional RCMP detachment was able to arrest the suspect and recover one of the two bikes, worth $6,000. The other bike has not yet been recovered.

The individual has been released on a promise to appear in court, and charges have been forwarded to the Crown.

Meanwhile, RCMP are reminding Whistler to be vigilant against bike theft.

"Theft of bikes is a significant issue in Whistler," said Knapton. "We receive numerous complaints of stolen bikes on a weekly basis. It's great to recover some of them and end up with charges against people involved."

In other RCMP news, an attempt to break in to an automatic banking machine at Meadow Park Sports Centre was foiled by the fire alarm in the early morning hours on Aug. 2.

According to police, the thief or thieves were attempting to use an acetylene torch to break into the machine when the alarm went off, triggering an immediate response from Whistler Fire Rescue Services. The suspects had made two cuts through the side of the machine at that point out of the four they would have needed to gain access.

Entry was gained by removing an outside window. Police collected evidence left at the scene and are continuing to investigate. If you have any information, contact the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).